It’s rare that a team’s seventh round draft pick is arguably the biggest “name” in that year’s class, but that might be the case for the 2018 Dallas Cowboys.
By selecting Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough late on day three the Cowboys added some depth to their backfield, but despite his relatively star-level name due to the school he attended, it’s fair to ask if there is room for Scarbrough on the Cowboys’ final roster.
At 6’1″ 235 pounds Scarbrough prides himself on being a tough, bruising back who isn’t afraid to run right up the gut of the defense. He isn’t really a shifty player who will make people miss in space, rather he will try to run someone over when in that situation.
Scarbrough isn’t someone who will make his own running lanes, but he will attempt to get tough yardage when things get mucked up.
When evaluating the Cowboys depth chart, however, it’s tough to see exactly where Bo Scarbrough will fit in. At the top you have Ezekiel Elliott, and you know he’ll be carrying the bulk of the load this season. After Elliott is running back Rod Smith who came along nicely with increased opportunities during Elliott’s suspension in 2017.
Then there’s Tavon Austin, who the Cowboys have made a point to say will get at least “a dozen” touches per game. That’s a lot of bodies and versatility in the running game, which will make it difficult for a running back like Scarbrough to find time.
In the end, it will probably come down to whether or not Scarbrough can play special teams. He doesn’t seem to fit the bill of a return man, but maybe he could work on the kick and kick return teams in different roles. He will have to prove his special teams ability to the coaching staff during the preseason if he hopes to make the final roster.
The best play for Bo Scarbrough may be for the Cowboys to place him on the practice squad. This way the Cowboys can given him another year to develop while still working within their system.
This will also give the Cowboys time to evaluate what they really have in Tavon Austin and Rod Smith before making binding decisions.
